YOUNGSTERS visiting Barry Island will be given the only opportunity in Wales to try out to become an official Rugby World Cup 2015 mascot.

Two official mascot places will be up for grabs as open auditions take place on the Island promenade from 11am on Saturday, July 4.

The special opportunity, ahead of the showpiece tournament which begins in September, coincides with the first-ever Cardiff Blues Beach Rugby Festival which takes place on Barry Island’s Whitmore Bay beach and a visit from the Webb Ellis Cup from 4pm.

Visitors will also get the chance to glimpse the custom built Rugby World Cup 2015 Trophy Tour Defender that will carry the Trophy for its 100 day Tour around the UK and Ireland.

Hopeful mascots need to be aged seven to 13 years.

They will need to deliver a short audition, undertaking one challenge.

They can give a passionate rendition of a national anthem of their choice, offer some words of inspiration and advice to a Rugby World Cup 2015 team captain or tell Land Rover how they would welcome a visiting nation to the UK for Rugby World Cup 2015

The best two entries will be rewarded with a place as an Official Rugby World Cup 2015 Mascot at one of the Welsh pool matches.

The inaugural Cardiff Blues Beach Rugby competition will be a true 'Festival of Rugby' with a variety of stalls and entertainment and some great prizes on offer – with a special Kids Zone on the beach with Cardiff Blues community coaches running events.

Cardiff Blues players will turn out at noon to sign autographs and meet fans.

Community manager at Cardiff Blues, Nadine Griffiths said: “We are absolutely thrilled that the Webb Ellis Trophy will be joining us for the first-ever Blues Beach Rugby Festival. It’s fantastic that fans can come down and see it just a few months from the tournament.

“The only place in Wales to audition to become an Official Mascot for at one of the Welsh pool matches is here too so that is a chance not to be missed for youngsters.

“We’re looking forward to hosting this event in Barry as part of our work around the region and hope fans will get right behind what is a real family friendly rugby event and a unique chance to be part of the Rugby World Cup thanks to Land Rover.”

Places in the tournament are limited to 18 teams for men and six for ladies.

For further information and to book your place visit cardiffbluesbeachrugby.com